Bringing home a puppy is one of the most exciting experiences for any pet lover. Those tiny paws and playful eyes bring instant joy — but the first few weeks are also the most important. Your puppy is adjusting to a new environment, learning routines, and developing habits that will last a lifetime. At Waggs to Riches, we’ve seen it all — and we know that a few small mistakes early on can cause big problems later.
Here are the top 5 puppy care mistakes to avoid in the first month, so you can give your little one the happiest and healthiest start possible.
One of the most common puppy care mistakes is delaying the first veterinary check-up. Even if your puppy appears healthy, early vet care is essential for:
Pro Tip: Schedule your puppy’s first vet visit within 72 hours of bringing them home. Keep all vaccination and microchip records in one place for easy reference.
Feeding mistakes can have lasting effects on your puppy’s health. Some owners unintentionally overfeed or choose low-quality food that lacks the nutrients growing puppies need.
Choose a diet that’s:
Avoid: Human foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and processed snacks — these can be toxic to dogs.
Pro Tip: Puppies need small, frequent meals — typically 3–4 times a day during the first few months.
Waiting too long to socialize your puppy is a big mistake. Between 3 to 14 weeks, puppies are most receptive to new experiences — a critical window to shape their behavior.
Without early socialization, puppies may develop anxiety, fear, or aggression later on.
Here’s what to do:
Pro Tip: Avoid punishment-based training. Instead, reward good behavior with treats and praise — it builds trust and confidence.
New puppies need up to 18–20 hours of sleep per day. Without proper rest, they can become cranky, anxious, or overstimulated.
Create a cozy, safe space just for your pup — a soft bed or crate where they can nap without disturbance.
Set a consistent daily routine:
Pro Tip: Routines help puppies feel secure and speed up training progress.
Many new owners focus on physical exercise but overlook mental enrichment. Puppies are curious learners, and boredom can quickly lead to destructive behaviors like chewing or barking.
Keep their minds busy with:
Pro Tip: Rotate your puppy’s toys weekly to keep them engaged and excited.
The first month with your new puppy is all about building trust, setting routines, and creating memories. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll help your puppy grow into a confident, happy, and well-behaved companion.
At Waggs to Riches, we believe every puppy deserves the very best start. That’s why our toy breed puppies are hand-selected, vaccinated, microchipped, and pre-spoiled — ready to bring unconditional love and luxury into your life.
Because when only the best will do, your puppy deserves Waggs to Riches.
Puppies aged 8–12 weeks should eat 3–4 small meals a day. As they grow, you can gradually reduce it to 2 meals a day by 6 months old.
Book your puppy’s first vet visit within 3 days of bringing them home. Your vet will begin vaccinations and set up a schedule for boosters, deworming, and flea prevention.
Start basic training and socialization immediately — even at 8 weeks. Use positive reinforcement methods and short sessions to keep it fun and effective.
Puppies need between 18–20 hours of sleep per day. Adequate rest is essential for healthy growth, mood, and behavior.
Try interactive toys, short training games, and gentle exposure to new environments. Activities that make your puppy “think” help prevent boredom and behavioral issues.
Avoid toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, caffeine, and anything spicy or salty. Stick to vet-approved puppy food and treats.
This store is the best! I get my poodle groomed here and Lynn does a great job. The store smells really good and the puppies are so cute. I highly recommend you shop at Waggs.
~ Dylan Morris